How to Register Your Address in Germany

A registered address, or Anmeldung, is one of the most important (and difficult) steps of moving to Germany. Here I’ll walk through how to do it and why you need to.

Why Do We Need a Registered Address?

In Germany, everyone needs to legally register their address (Anmeldung) with the citizen office (Bürgeramt). To do so you need to find an apartment or shared accommodation that will legally give you the forms to register. This can be the most difficult part of the visa application process, as many cities in Germany face a housing shortage.

At your appointment you will receive a certified letter of registration, a tax ID and a registered address. Your letter of registration, or Anmeldebestätigung, proves that you live where you do. You will need to show this paper when opening a bank account, applying for internet services, registering at a daycare, and more. Some gyms will charge a higher monthly membership fee until you provide this form. Your tax ID is required to work and start a business. If you have an employer already, provide them with the tax ID as soon as possible. Your registered adress is where your important documents will be mailed by post, including your residence card, taxes, bills and receipts.

Everyone needs to register their address in Germany. However, not everyone needs a residence permit to live and work in Germany. Therefor, the Anmeldung does NOT grant you the right to live and work in Germany. If you require a work permit, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa and will be asked to bring your letter of registration. You likely will need to find an apartment and complete the registration process before you can receive your visa.

Make an Appointment

As soon as you can, make an appointment online with the Bürgeramt. You can even do this before you enter Germany, as often appointments are booked up months in advance. However your appointment can’t occur before you’re moved into your new place. Typically you should register within 14 days of moving. This isn’t always possible and isn’t penalised.

Go here to book your appointment.

If you cannot find an appointment, keep trying multiple times throughout the day, as some appointments are cancelled and released suddenly. This tool can also help find available slots.

What to Bring to the Appointment

• the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: You receive this from the landlord or person who rented the apartment to you. It is different from your rental contract, and you will not be able to register the address without it. Bring the original document, but usually a copy will also be accepted. If you rent or sublet a room, the main tenant (Hauptmeiter) can provide this form to you.
• the filled in Anmeldung form
• your residence permit, if you already have it
• a valid ID document such as your passport
• your vehicle registration papers, if you have a vehicle
• cash

If it’s your first time registering your address, also bring

• Your birth certificate
• Your marriage certificate

Go to Your Appointment

Bring all the above documents and forms completed to the appointment. If you don’t speak German, you can bring a friend or translator. Some of the employees don’t speak English. However, the process is quite simple, and you will get by fine if you know a few basic phrases or use a translator app.

Arrive early. Show your appointment confirmation to the employee at the door if asked. Go to the waiting room. Watch the TV to show your appointment number, which will be on your confirmation form. The TV will tell you which room to go to for your appointment. The employee will give you your registration form (Anmeldebestätigung). You will receive a tax ID by mail in the coming weeks if this is your first time registering your address. Make sure the information on your registration form is correct and notify the employee of any issues. Don’t forget to get your original documents such as birth certificate back before leaving.

Next Steps and Reccomendations

Now you have a registered address in Germany. Congrats! If you need to apply for a visa, you’ve completed possibly the trickiest step. That is, securing an apartment. If you’re settled and facing paying the TV Tax, see my post for how to do so. For a cute story about a girl who moves to Germany, go here. Get inspired for your move with a notebook. And last but not least, secure your household insurance.